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    Refresh/Reset/Clean Install on Win10 Activated Free Upgrade Version?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by hammerdown, Jun 12, 2017.

  1. hammerdown

    hammerdown Notebook Geek

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    I have a 4 year old laptop that came with Win7/8 that I upgraded to Win10 (while it was free). The hard drive failed, so I replaced it, restored the OS to Win8 from backup, then upgraded back to Win10 and says it's activated.


    I am planning to sell the laptop, but want it to be completely clean. It only has one User account which is a Local Account Administrator user. I guess I need to do a Win10 refresh or reset or clean install to get rid of all my User data... Not sure which one so that I get rid of my User data and retain the activation?
     
    hammerdown, Jun 12, 2017
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  2. StormJumper

    StormJumper Notebook Virtuoso

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    I done that where I did the free upgrade and then reinstalled Windows 10 and it was activated when I active with the upgraded motherboard. For Activation problem you need to contact Microsoft as we don't discuss such matters on here.
     
    StormJumper, Jun 13, 2017
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  3. jaybee83

    jaybee83 Biotech-Doc

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    the activation is not an issue, whenever the reset/refreshed/fresh installed machine connects to the internet, the activation is done automatically via a hardware verification that is specific to that machine.

    u can either do a win10 reset or a fresh install, doesnt matter :)
     
    jaybee83, Jun 13, 2017
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    Vasudev likes this.
  4. hammerdown

    hammerdown Notebook Geek

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    Wow, that's cool. Thanks so much!
     
    hammerdown, Jun 13, 2017
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  5. hammerdown

    hammerdown Notebook Geek

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    Refresh and clear old user data is done. Windows 10 showing as activated!
     
    hammerdown, Jun 17, 2017
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    jaybee83 likes this.